Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Realm Walker: Somewhere Between Mayhem and Madness – the nail-biting second instalment in a gothic Alice in Wonderland retelling

Rate this book
The mortal world and Netherworld collide in a twisted fight for power and freedom.

Still haunted by his fears for Alison and desperate to uncover the truth behind the hospital attack, John digs deeper into a mystery that grows more dangerous by the hour.

Meanwhile, realms away in the shadowed depths of the Netherworld, Alison fights to survive a place that was never meant to claim her, burdened by a destiny she never asked for.

With so much at stake, and mythological forces coming at them from all sides, will the two best friends find their way back to one another, before it’s too late?

'A twist filled page turner, that keeps you guessing until the end. The ending is delightfully frustrating and leaves you craving more.' - R. R. Boxall, author of the Immutavi series

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

7 people want to read

About the author

Bruce Martin

89 books4 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
6 (25%)
4 stars
17 (70%)
3 stars
1 (4%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,896 reviews143 followers
March 17, 2026
I was so, so happy to see this new release heading our way after reading Dream Walker back in January....and being left on that cliffhanger.

 

I really wasn't expecting that from the first book but as soon as I realised this was going to be a series, I knew that I had to follow it all the way through.

 

So, this is the second book in this series and I couldn't wait to dive back in to see what happened next in both realms.

 

If you haven't read the first book yet, then I would recommend that you go back and start this from the very beginning as we do follow directly on from where we left Alison and the gang.

 

In this book, we see things taking off both back in the Netherworld - where Alison is discovering much more about herself and her abilities - and back in reality with John - who seems to be taking all the news incredibly well!?

 

Once again I found this read so compelling.

With all of the similarities to the stories we all know so well, but taking this to a much darker place, whilst also showing this crossover between the two worlds, which makes this far less a fairytale and much more a real-life nightmare.

 

This is such a great series and not just because Alice In Wonderland was one of my favourite classics - this is so well thought out and presented and the writing just draws you into this weird and wonderful world along with all the characters.

 

Another brilliant read and yep! another cliffhanger too!

I really hope that book 3 is going to be winging it's way to us very soon, because I know that I'm already (Im)patiently waiting to see what happens next .....

 

 

 
Profile Image for Bee.
218 reviews28 followers
March 16, 2026
Realm Walker is the second book in Bruce Martin’s Somewhere Between Mayhem and Madness series and just like its prequel, Dream Walker? The storytelling is addictive, dark and draws you into a world where fae, werewolves and vampires exist and many resemble the familiar characters from Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland world.

After finishing the first book, I expected Realm Walker to be just as enjoyable — and it did not disappoint. I appreciated how seamlessly the story reintroduced me to its chaotic world, since such transitions can sometimes be abrupt and confusing. This may well be a short read at around 250 pages but Martin packs a punch on every page, so the reader is held captive by what is happening to the characters and theorising what will happen next to them whether it be on the Earth we’re familiar with or the world that is beyond the familiar and filled with fantastical beings. Furthermore, the immersive world-building, with its gritty, shadowy, and slightly unnerving environments, intensifies the ominous atmosphere found in Realm Walker.

This book and the series so far have been addictive and I’ve loved the way the author has taken characters many of us know from childhood and given them depth and twisted them into being the ones we encounter in Somewhere Between Mayhem and Madness books one and two. After finishing this and losing some sleep to get to that cliff hanger (Gods do I hate cliffhangers but here I am) I know the third will be one to add to my library when it’s available. If you want a quick fantasy read with mystery, mayhem and a hatter who's possibly not as mad as we’d expect? Go get Realm Walker and of course book one Dream Walker and be swept into Martin’s imagination.
Profile Image for Tori Danforth.
148 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2026
I have similar feelings about book 2 as I did for book 1. Rounding up to 4 stars.

I wanted Book 1 to be longer. It felt like the descriptors and worldbuilding were ripped out and just the action was left behind. Book 2 was the same, but 2x the length of book 1!

So. Much. Action. It was a whirlwind!

In the Netherworld, the players on the board start to move - some even declaring sides - while Alison grapples with what it means to be a leader in a war she never asked to be a part of. In London, John continues his quest for understanding the hospital attack... in a very follow the white rabbit-esque, Matrix-like fashion.

Loves:
1. Vibes were similar to book one, but let’s add The Matrix and Frankenstein to the comps list and throw in some more mythological mashups this time! (Love me ANY book with heavy mythological influences)
2. Part of me wants to be annoyed by the action-heavy writing style. We never get a breather! The author throws us around both London and the Netherworld at his whim, and we are struggling to keep up. BUT. This is actually a perfect mirror to Alison's and Jason’s POVs. It’s really quite clever.
3. THAT. ENDING. Mr. Martin may be the new king of cliffhangers…

Wishlist:
1. The style leans heavy on info dumps and lots of character monologuing as they try to catch Alison up to their world and its current events. Like with book one, I wish we had other ways of getting this information.
2. Despite respecting the storytelling style, I still want more worldbuilding. But I guess I’ll wait for the movie or maybe I’ll write my own fanfic!

I will be waiting with bated breath for book 3.
Profile Image for Amanda Felton.
403 reviews20 followers
March 19, 2026
Thank you LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.

I was really excited to be on this second book tour. I loved the first one so much this cover is just fire I mean so so good !!! I think I need to get both of these books just cause I love the covers so much.

Ok so this book wow. Holy cow. This was so good. I loved how the story picked up and was so much more in depth with the world building and the action oh the action is so much more in this book!! Loved that. I felt like made the book more fast paced. The mystery really picks up too and it really feels like a puzzle you are trying to piece together but just can’t find the piece you need. I felt like this like I felt I was in the book with the characters solving all of this.

I really loved all the characters and I feel like they all grew more in this book especially Allison !! I felt like she totally grew the most and I loved her so much more.

I really can’t wait to see where the story goes from here cause I feel like we need so much more from Allison I want to know more. Like I feel like so much is being left out.
But I also like how she is starting to really find out who she is.

This book seriously read so fast. I felt like I picked it up and then I was done. I was like what the heck !!!

Writing was so good and descriptive and I loved that I felt like I was in the book!!

Overall really good read looking forward to more !!
Profile Image for Madison Beardslee.
122 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Realm Walker builds beautifully on the foundation set in book one and absolutely raises the stakes. This installment leans much more heavily into action and world building, and I really enjoyed that shift. The layers of the story deepen, the rules of the world expand, and the plot twists keep coming. Multiple levels of mystery unfold at once, which makes it feel like you are solving pieces of the puzzle alongside the characters.

Alison felt more realistic in this book. Her growth felt grounded, and the side characters were far more fleshed out, which made the story feel richer overall. The character dynamics added weight to the adventure rather than distracting from it.

The pacing was incredibly bingeable and kept me turning pages. My only critique is that the constant jumping between levels and plot threads occasionally made things a little difficult to follow without flipping back to earlier chapters. There is a lot happening, and while that adds intrigue, it can sometimes feel slightly overwhelming.

Overall, this was a shocking, adventurous, and strong continuation of the series. I am very excited to see where the story goes next.
Profile Image for Heather Shower.
295 reviews22 followers
March 15, 2026
The second installment in the Dream Walker Series pulls you back in the exact moment the first book ends, like stepping through a door that was never meant to close. The line between the mortal world and the Netherworld continues to blur, and the deeper Alison is pulled into it, the more the weight of her destiny begins to settle on her shoulders.
What makes this story linger is watching Alison change. She is no longer just a girl caught in something terrifying and unknown. Piece by piece, she begins to understand what she is, what she’s capable of, and the role she was never meant to escape. Her strength grows alongside the danger surrounding her, and that transformation gives the story a quiet emotional pull beneath all the chaos.
With its gothic atmosphere and supernatural elements like vampires and demons, this darker reimagining of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland feels haunting and immersive. The world is unsettling, beautiful, and dangerous all at once, drawing you deeper into Alison’s journey as the truth of who she is slowly unfolds.
This sequel doesn’t just continue the story. It deepens it, darkens it, and leaves you feeling like you’ve only begun to glimpse the shadows waiting ahead.
25 reviews
March 4, 2026
Realm Walker builds beautifully on the foundation set in book one and absolutely raises the stakes. This installment leans much heavier into action and world-building, and I loved that shift. The layers of the story deepen, the rules of the world expand, and the plot twists keep coming. There are multiple levels of mystery unfolding at once, which makes it feel like you’re constantly solving something alongside the characters.
Alison felt more realistic in this book. Her growth felt grounded, and the side characters were far more fleshed out, which made the story feel richer overall. The character dynamics added weight to the adventure rather than distracting from it.
The pacing was incredibly bingeable, even more so than book one. It kept me turning pages. My only critique is that the jumping between levels and plot threads occasionally made it hard to follow without flipping back to earlier chapters. There’s a lot happening, and while that adds intrigue, it can get slightly overwhelming.
Overall, this was shocking, adventurous, and a strong continuation of the series. I’m very excited to see where it goes next.
28 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2026
Genre: Dark Fantasy | Paranormal | Gothic | Supernatural Speculative | YA
Pages: 310
Publisher: Cranthorpe Millner Publishers
4.5 star rating

First things first, Mr. Martin, when should I be expecting book 3?! When I started this book, I was very confused, only to learn there was a book 1 and this was book 2 in the series. So I stopped after 3 chapters and read book 1, Dream Walker, then proceeded to Realm Walker. I absolutely loved this. Fantasy novels are new for me, but this one keeps you entertained and rapid page turning from the start. The only way to really describe it is a dark, twisty version of Alice in Wonderland. You even come across some AiW characters along the way. Alison Wilde is what appears to be a normal girl living in a mortal world, when she selflessly puts herself in danger to protect her friends. Now in a medically induced coma, her dreams take her to a place where everyone knows of her and she knows nothing. Filled with vampire and demon action, follow along as Alison comes into herself and finds out why the Netherworld has feared and awaited her presence. I need that third book asap because the ending left me speechless.
Profile Image for Marcia - itsabookthing2021 .
822 reviews21 followers
March 24, 2026
After reading Dream Walker I was eager to find out what happened next so I was delighted to read Realm Walker. I really enjoy the different concept that this retelling has taken, I love Alice in Wonderland and I find it fascinating to create a retelling but turning it dark and gothic, giving us supernatural creatures and taking us on a whole new journey. I must say this concept pays off exceptionally well and I really enjoyed reading this novel. I loved the story developments and the character progressions, it really made for a great read. I loved the writing style, the lavish descriptions and the atmosphere it created, I felt myself getting lost between the pages and on the edge of my seat at times. I also liked towards the end when Alice realises she's more than she thought and the acceptance of it made her become stronger. The concept of Alice back in the human world being in a medical induced coma is also fascinating to me, I just think it's cleverly done. A great read and I'm hoping there's still more to come because after that ending I feel like we've just begun.
462 reviews13 followers
March 8, 2026
The second book in the series retelling Alice in Wonderland from a more adult perspective.

The last book left us with a bit of a cliffhanger and this is no different. Alison is still split between realms and the battles on earth and the Netherworld continue. However, the pace is picking up significantly and it feels like we're closer to the end.

John and Emi make a good pair and I like how John adjusts well to all the things he's learning of. It's a huge amount to process but he's taking it well!! EMI is fun and I like her humour but also her commitment to supporting John and protecting 'the chosen one'.

Alison and her group continue to bring a lot of drama, fun and fire to the battles they encounter. She seems to be developing more and uncovering parts about herself that'll help. However, there's still a lot in her past/history that needs to be revealed and I think this is where the third book might have some interesting reveals and maybe a twist or two 🤔
Profile Image for Helena.
24 reviews
March 23, 2026
‘Realm Walker’ is a retelling of 'Alice in Wonderland' but it’s been taken up a notch It is an extraordinary read which made me feel like I was in a different universe due to all the diverse beings ranging from fairies to vampires to berserkers.

The layout of the book impressed me with how well it flowed between the mortal world and never world, there was a lot of world building involved, it’s a really engaging read and keeps you hooked.
My favourite characters were John and Emi, I thought their bond together was adorable and wholesome and I adored how they were both focused on keep Alison safe.

As a whole, besides it being a gothic book with two different worlds, it was still a really lighthearted read and it wasn’t too dark or too hefty. If you’re looking for a read that’s whimsical, gothic, paranormal and supernatural then this is the read for you.
144 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2026
This is book two in the dream walker series and it picks up exactly where book 1 left off. There are multiple story lines all linking up at various points throughout the book in both the real world and the world Alison has been transported too.
It was interesting to read about Alison's attack at the hospital from a different perspective due to Vladimir going back in time as well as going to our world.
We also finally learn about who Alison really is but that part of the story just seemed to come out of the blue and I felt that it didn't really link in with the existing world that has been created as it starts a off as more of a gothic and dark supernatural world but then suddenly we are thrown into a world of god's too. Luckily it is explained more clearly by Emi to John so you get a better understanding of what's going on about half way through the book.
Alison finally starts to understand what she is and as she faces the queen it is set up for the next installment.
Profile Image for Sara-Jane Keenan.
162 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2026
This is book 2 in the Dream Walker series and it is essential that you read book 1 first, as it picks up right where book 1 ends.

I love that this is a gothic retelling of Alice in Wonderland. Set in the mortal world, Alison finds herself pulled into the Netherworld, an exciting, dark, dangerous world full of supernatural creatures.

Alison goes through a lot of growth and self discovery in this book and her role is finally revealed.

There are so many great characters in this story and there is a few different storylines so it can feel a bit chaotic at times but it’s well worth it.

The ending sets up perfectly for book 3 and I can’t wait for the next installment.

Overall, I rate this 4⭐️
Profile Image for Beth.
64 reviews7 followers
March 20, 2026
The King of Cliffhangers has done it again!
Picking up exactly where Dream Walker ended, Realm Walker takes us deeper into the Netherworld where war is brewing. While book 1 was an introduction to the characters, book 2 delves into character development and world building, adding more context to the initial storyline. Alison really comes into her own, and we watch her grow in confidence as we learn more about her new world along with her. The action gets going as the vampires take the first step towards battle, both on Earth and below it, then just as we join the team in confronting The Queen, the book ends! Bruce Martin leaving us on a huge cliffhanger once again, book 3 better be making an appearance pretty quickly!!
Profile Image for Nicola Malloch.
646 reviews10 followers
March 16, 2026
I absolutely loved the first book Dream Walker and the way it twisted with a gothic reimagining of Alice in Wonderland. Book two we continue on the path with Alison and John. I simply loved Bruce Martins version of the characters I grew up loving, they are unhinged in the best way and the darkness that emanates from them is delicious. The way this book works with the parallel landscapes with Alison in the Netherworld and John in the mortal world I do think you need to read book one so that you can truly follow and understand what is happening. I have loved this duo of books and im excited for more from this world
Profile Image for Tami Wylie.
773 reviews36 followers
March 25, 2026
Booked two in the Dream Walker series, we pick up from book one. The vampire Vladimir has John being guarded by Demons while he adjusted to his new life as a newborn vampire while Vladimir hunts down the hospital where Alison’s comatose body lies. Meanwhile, in the Netherworld, Allison and her band of friends are preparing for the coming war. I really enjoyed this book and it’s great characters. It’s definitely the best retelling of Alice in Wonderland I’ve ever read. The author has created a uniquely exciting world, fraught with danger and filled with tension and action. I cannot wait for the next instalment.
Profile Image for Sarah Essex.
40 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2026
Back in the adventures of Alice, cat and hatter. I loved the second book as much as i loved the first one. I love how it uses a classic story and twists it right ho to where you don't know which was it's gonna turn. True to Bruce Martin's style of writing you don't know what you're getting next. i predicted none of the book and was pleasantly surprised to be proved wrong when i thought i knew where it was going, then it flips it on its head and goes in a totally different direction. It ended on such a cliffhanger too that im dying to read book 3 already!
51 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2026
I loved Dream Walker and ran to the sign up for the book tour for Realm Walker as I was keen to see this story progress. There were more characters introduced in this book and there was more focus on story building, the queen's plotting, the detectives uncovering mysteries and Vladimir's antics in London.

I really enjoyed the second installment, Realm Walker. It was really interesting to see the plot thicken and the progression of the characters, Alison is starting to understand what she is and how powerful she is and that ending?! I need to know what happens next!!
53 reviews
March 25, 2026
A Dark Alice in Wonderland Retelling

I was on the fence after book one of this series, but I’m glad I continued on to book 2. This series is a dark Alice in Wonderland retelling with vampires, werewolves, demons - you name it. Alison is a reluctant hero just coming into her power, but can she survive in the Netherworld?

I liked how this book really dove into the story that was laid out in book one. The story goes between Alison’s adventures in the Netherworld and the goings on in the real world - where the Netherworld is starting to bleed through.
Profile Image for Melissa.
123 reviews6 followers
March 24, 2026
Wow! What an amazing sequel to Dream Walker, the first book in the series! Realm Walker was even more than I hoped for. I’m just sad it went by way too quickly. The action, the allegiances, the discoveries of each of Alison’s powers - all good stuff! I can’t wait until the next book in the series comes out since it left us with a pretty serious cliffhanger and some mysteries left to be resolved. I rate Realm Walker 5 out 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Zoe.
52 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2026
Thank you to LBT and Bruce for allowing me to be on the book tour for the second book!

I really needed to see where this went after the cliffhanger from book one..

The story is still as dark, addictive and keeps you drawn into the world.

For me however at parts the transitions in the story were a little confusing and I had to re-read parts to get it to make sense which is why I’ve rated this a little lower book two. It was a little overwhelming although pacing was incredible and you can see so much is happening.

I adore how Bruce has took characters from my childhood and given them depth and introduced them into this dark fairytale world.

This book follows on from the cliffhanger of book one and we delve straight back into the Netherworld and seeing Alison discover more about her powers and herself. We also see more of John in the ‘reality world’ and John and Emi are a fantastic pairing.

I cannot wait for book three!
Profile Image for Leanne (Queen_and_the_wolf).
84 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2026
Realm Walker continues directly on from Dream walker and it doesn't disappoint.

Book 2 sees us getting more info on the netherworld and more in depth character building. The story gets more intriguing and moves at a faster pace leaving us on a bloody cliffhanger again!!

Hoping book 3 is on the way because I need to know what becomes of the mirror, Alison and the Queen
434 reviews16 followers
March 22, 2026
I have been eagerly awaiting the follow up to Dream Walker. I highly recommend you begin with the first book so that you understand where we have got up to with Alison and the Netherworld.

Of course there is still a focus on Alison and I really enjoyed the return of the rather zany characters she is travelling with. However, back in the Mortal world where she lies in a coma, her friend John is trying desperately to uncover what happened at the hospital. I really enjoyed getting more of this side of the story with John as we follow him and a fairy he meets.

There are a lot of plot threads going on in this story that switches between different character’s perspectives. It’s fast paced and I love all the mayhem and twists. It is a thrilling Alice in Wonderland retelling full of all sorts of mythical creatures. I really want to discover where the story takes us next.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.